Deer are becoming more active, meaning an increased risk of vehicle crashes.
Several state agencies — the Kansas Highway Patrol, Department of Transportation and Department of Wildlife and Parks — along with the Kansas Turnpike Authority and AAA Kansas are offering a number of tips to either avoid crashes or to minimize the risk of injury as part of the annual deer mating season.
*Be especially watchful at dawn and dusk when deer are more active.
*If you see one deer, expect others, as deer seldom travel alone.
*Be extra vigilant and reduce vehicle speeds near wooded areas or green spaces, such as parks and golf courses, and near water sources such as streams and ponds.
*Deer crossing signs show areas where high numbers of vehicle-deer collisions have occurred in the past; be extra cautious in these areas.
*Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer. The most serious crashes can occur when motorists veer into oncoming traffic and collide with another vehicle; or run off the road, hit objects, or overturn.
*Always wear a seatbelt and use appropriate child safety seats, as these are the best defenses in any collision.
*Use bright headlights when there is no oncoming traffic and scan the roadways ahead for the reflective eyes of deer.
*If a collision occurs, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway, if possible, and call law enforcement – KHP dispatch at *47, the Kansas Turnpike at *KTA or local law enforcement at 911.
*Remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. If a secondary collision would occur, motorists are better protected when inside their vehicles and properly restrained.
KDOT says over 650 people were hurt and seven more were killed in crashes involving deer last year. AAA Kansas, meanwhile, says the average claim for an animal strike last year was almost $8,300 — up almost 20 percent from 2022, largely due to new vehicle technology.
Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch will have more information on KVOE’s Newsmaker 2 interview at 8:20 am Monday.
